Matthew 7:13
What does Matthew 7:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 7:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 7:13 means
Jesus urges listeners to 'enter by the narrow gate,' explaining that there are two distinct paths in life. The 'wide' gate and 'broad' way represent a life that conforms to worldly standards, self-indulgence, or religious hypocrisy, leading ultimately to 'destruction.' The 'many' who choose this path are those who live without regard for God's true kingdom call. This verse begins a critical section on commitment, calling for a conscious, deliberate choice to follow Christ, acknowledging that such a path is not always popular or easy.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Go in by the narrow door; for wide is the door and open is the way which goes to destruction, and great numbers go in by it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Go ye in through the strait gate, because wide <FI>is<Fi> the gate, and broad the way that is leading to the destruction, and many are those going in through it;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Enter ye in at the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Enter in through the narrow gate, for wide the gate and broad the way that leads to destruction, and many are they who enter in through it.
Context
This verse marks a significant transition in the Sermon on the Mount, moving from ethical principles to a direct call for a decisive choice. It follows the Golden Rule, implying that truly living out that principle requires commitment to God's way. This introduction of the 'two ways' sets the stage for a stark contrast between two destinies, preparing the hearer for the crucial nature of following Christ, which will be further elaborated in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:38
And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- Romans 9:22
What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction:
- Ephesians 2:2
wherein ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience;
- Proverbs 9:6
Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.
- Matthew 25:41
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:
- Revelation 20:15
And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.
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